Career and Education Opportunities for Radiology Technologists in Orlando, Florida

There is a wide variety of career and education opportunities for radiology technologists in the Orlando, Florida area. The national trend for radiology technologists sees this job pool growing by about 17.2% over the next eight years. In general, radiology technologists take x-rays and Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes.

Radiology technologists earn approximately $24 hourly or $50,410 annually on average in Florida. Nationally they average about $25 per hour or $52,210 per year. Incomes for radiology technologists are not quite as good as in the overall category of Radiology in Florida, and not quite as good as the overall Radiology category nationally. People working as radiology technologists can fill a number of jobs, such as: diagnostic medical sonographer, radiology therapist, and radiological technologist.

The Orlando area is home to fifty schools of higher education, including nine within twenty-five miles of Orlando where you can get a degree as a radiology technologist. The most common level of education for radiology technologists is an Associate's, or other 2-year degree. You can expect to spend about two years studying to be a radiology technologist if you already have a high school diploma.

CAREER DESCRIPTION: Radiology Technologist

In general, radiology technologists take x-rays and Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. They also includes technologists who specialize in other modalities, such as computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance.

Radiology technologists inspect and evaluate developed x-rays or computer generated data to establish if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes. They also position and immobilize patients on examining tables. Equally important, radiology technologists have to prepare examination rooms, ensuring that all needed apparatus is ready. They are often called upon to explain procedures and observe patients to insure safety and comfort during scan. They are expected to direct work with clerical personnel or other technologists. Finally, radiology technologists position imaging apparatus and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, in line with specification of examination.

Every day, radiology technologists are expected to be able to see details at a very fine level of focus. They need to listen to and understand others in meetings.

It is important for radiology technologists to remove and process film. They are often called upon to operate or oversee operation of radiologic and magnetic imaging apparatus to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes. They also key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images. They are sometimes expected to monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician. Somewhat less frequently, radiology technologists are also expected to assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.

They also have to be able to take thorough and accurate patient medical histories and demonstrate new apparatus and techniques to staff, and furnish technical assistance. And finally, they sometimes have to operate fluoroscope to assist physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.

Like many other jobs, radiology technologists must have a strong concern for others and be thorough and dependable.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Orlando include:

Cardiac Technician. Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary-functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

Dental Hygienist. Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop X-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Radiation Therapist. Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Radiological Technician. Maintain and use equipment and supplies necessary to demonstrate portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic purposes.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Radiology Technologist Training

High-Tech Institute-Orlando - Orlando, FL

High-Tech Institute-Orlando, 3710 Maguire Blvd, Orlando, FL 32803. High-Tech Institute-Orlando is a small school located in Orlando, Florida. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 2-year programs and has 623 students. High-Tech Institute-Orlando has a less than one year and an associate's degree program in Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist which graduated seven and thirty-eight students respectively in 2008.

Polk Community College - Winter Haven, FL

Polk Community College, 999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299. Polk Community College is a medium sized college located in Winter Haven, Florida. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 8,516 students. Polk Community College has an associate's degree program in Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist which graduated twenty-four students in 2008.

University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL

University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816. University of Central Florida is a large university located in Orlando, Florida. It is a public school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 50,181 students and an admission rate of 48%. University of Central Florida has a bachelor's degree program in Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist which graduated nineteen students in 2008.

Valencia Community College - Orlando, FL

Valencia Community College, 190 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Valencia Community College is a large college located in Orlando, Florida. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 35,652 students. Valencia Community College has a less than one year and an associate's degree program in Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist which graduated zero and twenty-three students respectively in 2008.

Americare School of Nursing - Fern Park, FL

Americare School of Nursing, 7275 Estapona Circle, Fern Park, FL 32730-2351. Americare School of Nursing is a small school located in Fern Park, Florida. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 2-year programs and has 327 students. Americare School of Nursing has a less than one year program in Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer which graduated one student in 2008.

Orlando Tech - Orlando, FL

Orlando Tech, 301 W Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801-1197. Orlando Tech is a small school located in Orlando, Florida. It is a public school with primarily less-than 2-year programs and has 1,101 students. Orlando Tech has a less than one year program in Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist which graduated fifteen students in 2008.

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences - Orlando, FL

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, 671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences is a small college located in Orlando, Florida. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 2,351 students and an admission rate of 89%. Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences has one to two year, associate's degree, and bachelor's degree programs in Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer which graduated fourteen, thirty-five, and 242 students respectively in 2008.

Brevard Community College - Cocoa, FL

Brevard Community College, 1519 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, FL 32922. Brevard Community College is a large college located in Cocoa, Florida. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 15,607 students. Brevard Community College has an associate's degree program in Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist which graduated twenty-nine students in 2008.

Cambridge Institute of Allied Health - Longwood, FL

Cambridge Institute of Allied Health, 1912 Boothe Circle Suite 200, Longwood, FL 32750. Cambridge Institute of Allied Health is a small school located in Longwood, Florida. It is a private for-profit school with primarily less-than 2-year programs and has 94 students. Cambridge Institute of Allied Health has a less than one year program in Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer which graduated eleven students in 2008.

CERTIFICATIONS

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist:
The mission of the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) is to recognize individuals qualified as specialists in the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology which employs non-ionizing radiation to promote high standards of patient care and safety in the diagnostic medical imaging modality of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology including interventional MRI, cardiovascular MRI, functional MRI, and MRI breast imaging.

Registered Technologist - Quality Management:
The purpose of the ARRT Examination in Quality Management is to assess the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the performance of the tasks typically required of staff technologists practicing in this specialized area.

Registered Technologist - Sonography:
The purpose of the ARRT Examination in Sonography is to assess the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically required of staff sonographers at entry into the profession.

Cardiac-Interventional Technology:
The purpose of the ARRT Examination in Cardiac-Interventional Radiography is to assess the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically required of technologists employed in this specialized area.

Vascular-Interventional Technology:
The purpose of the ARRT Examination in Vascular-Interventional Radiography is to assess the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically required of technologists employed in this specialized area.

Biomedical Electronics Technician:
Biomedical electronics technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of the principles of modern biomedical techniques, the proper procedure in the care, handling and maintenance of biomedical equipment and to display an attitude/behavior expected of an electronics technician who works in a hospital or healthcare environment.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida photo by A3RO

Orlando is situated in Orange County, Florida. It has a population of over 230,519, which has grown by 24.0% over the last ten years. The cost of living index in Orlando, 91, is below the national average. New single-family homes in Orlando are valued at $217,400 on average, which is far less than the state average. In 2008, three hundred forty-eight new homes were built in Orlando, down from six hundred twenty-two the previous year.

The three big industries for women in Orlando are accommodation and food services, health care, and educational services. For men, it is accommodation and food services, construction, and arts, entertainment, and recreation. The average travel time to work is about 25 minutes. More than 28.2% of Orlando residents have a bachelor's degree, which is higher than the state average. The percentage of residents with a graduate degree, 8.3%, is higher than the state average.

The unemployment rate in Orlando is 11.1%, which is less than Florida's average of 11.3%.

The percentage of Orlando residents that are affiliated with a religious congregation, 40.2%, is less than both the national and state average. Church of Scientology of Orlando, Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal and Metropolitan Community Church-Joy are some of the churches located in Orlando. The largest religious groups are the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention and the United Methodist Church.

Orlando is home to the Dubsdread Country Club and the Conway Center as well as Mayor Carl Langford Park and Sunshine Park. Shopping centers in the area include Lake Conway Woods Shopping Center, Colonial Plaza Mall and Coytown Shopping Center. Visitors to Orlando can choose from Blue Nile Hotel Liquidators, Clarion Hotel Universal and Buena Vista Suites for temporary stays in the area.